While 845 games of experience have been lost since the SUNS’ first NAB1 win against Brisbane, the clash against West Coast allows the younger players the chance to test themselves against the competition’s elite.

“They (the players) are starting to get some real concepts about the way we want to play,” Eade said.

“Even if West Coast have got a really strong side, and obviously have a really talented forward line and they kick a few goals, but if we can just work the way we’ve trained over the summer then I’ll be pleased with it at the end of the game.”

Eade’s attention will be firmly fixed on the team’s ball movement and defensive structures on Thursday, hoping to build on the promising progress he’s seen in the team over the pre-season.

“The things we’ve worked on, which every team has, our ball movement and our defensive accents which I was really pleased with NAB1. Our key indicators were really positive.”